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Black Stupa (That Dam), Vientiane

2.4
#12 of 85 in Things to do in Vientiane
Monument Tourist Spot
Legend has it that Black Stupa (That Dam) contains a dormant, seven-headed serpent, who guarded the city against the Siamese invasion in the 19th century. Located at the center of a roundabout, the monument is believed to have been built in the 16th century, and was once plated in gold before looters took its precious exterior, leaving it with the bare brick you see today. Stop by for a look at the stupa on your way to one of the nearby restaurants and bars. For Black Stupa (That Dam) and beyond, use our Vientiane family vacation planner to get the most from your Vientiane vacation.
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Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
388 reviews
Google
3.6
TripAdvisor
  • August 15, 2017
    Was no ordinary Vientiane City. Green Park-like area around the Tower, and written descriptions of the English signs and benches and trash bin only. Round green to so roundabout around the road.
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  • August 12, 2017
    Located in a quite roundabout that connects Chantha Khoumane road and Bartholonie road about halfway between the Patuxai Monument and the Mekong river in Vientiane. You can get a map and literally jus...  more »
  • August 9, 2017
    Blame largely to tourists in Vientiane featuring aspiring sites why not ruins that big, because it does not seem that the splendor. It's just a real front is worth taking this ancient tower is a must see.
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Google
  • June 25, 2017
    Interesting area of town. A nice quiet place to contemplate things. That Dam has a more authentic feel to it - it is not well kept.
  • July 1, 2017
    interesting early temple mound in the middle of vientiane. nice place to stop for a few minutes and relax. there was an entire village/city like this, probably similar to Chiang Mai Thailand, was here at one time. in the area are a few murals on adjacent streets, rues, on the walls that are interesting. if you walk around this area towards the morning market the and C.O.P.E. center you will see many; take the side streets as they tend not to be on the main avenues.
  • June 30, 2017
    We walked past it on the way to the Patuxay monument. Not much to see other than this old stuppa. Wouldn't bother if you had to go out of your way.
  • March 28, 2017
    Walk around it. It's a historic spot. But a few cafes and restaurants around here to enjoy your coffee too.
  • June 24, 2017
    A little ugly, to be honest
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Where to stay in Vientiane

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Pretty little Vientiane offers a good range of accommodations, with most either mid-range or upmarket hotels by national standards. Close to the riverfront sit the grandest of the bunch, with newly built high-rise hotels and boutiques set in old French colonial buildings. Move away from the water a little to find some standard, unassuming hotels, mixed in with a few more boutiques and high-rises overlooking the prettier plazas and along the main boulevards. For budget options, look at the guesthouses and hostels on the side streets around Rue Setthathilath, but make sure to reserve your room early to avoid disappointment.
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